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April 15, 2001
What's New
Hardware
Filtering
St. Bernard Software, provider of Internet and management solutions, released iPrism version 2.0. iPrism is a plug-and-play Internet filtering appliance that enables schools and businesses to monitor and control Internet usage. Additional features include automatic user authentication, administration enhancements that replicate configuration information for several units, a 60-category Web site database, and single-user override options. Contact company for pricing information.
St. Bernard Software, 16882 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127, (800) 782-3762
Reader Service Number 251
Video & Photography
The Hollywood DV-Bridge from Dazzle allows users to capture, edit, and share video between analog and digital devices. Features include composite, s-video, audio and DV input/output connections, PC and Macintosh support, and Dazzle Main Actor and MGI VideoWave 4 software. $299.99.
Dazzle Inc., 47211 Bayside Pkwy., Fremont, CA 94538; (510) 360-2300
Reader Service Number 252
Epson America now offers the EPSON Stylus Photo 780, a six-color photo printer that allows users to print "borderless" 4" x 6", 5" x 7", and 8" x 10" photos. The printer comes bundled with photo editing and management software. $199.
Epson America, 3849 Kilroy Airport Way, Long Beach, CA; (800) 463-7766
Reader Service Number 253
Wireless Computing
Gateway has announced its Mobile Wireless Lab, which includes 16 Gateway Solo notebook PCs outfitted with wireless PC cards, a mobile cart, a wireless access point with wireless PC card, and surge protector. The network is based on the 802.11 standard and has an 11MB-ps data transfer rate. Options include on-site installation, extended warranties, accidental damage protection, and more. Prices start at $20,999.
Gateway, P.O. Box 2000, 610 Gateway Dr., N. Sioux City, SD 57049; (800) 846-5211
Software
Early Literacy
Released recently by Tivola Publishing, Alphabet is a software program that encourages youngsters to improve letter recognition and phonics skills, shape and pattern recognition, and cognitive skills while exploring an alphabet circus. The program is targeted for pre-readers, but will engage even older children. Available in German and English on CD-ROM for both Macintosh and PC. The suggested retail price for the program is $19.99.
Tivola Publishing, Inc., 580 Broadway, New York, NY 10012; (877) 848-6520 (toll free)
Reader Service Number 255
PokeyToes Corner, an animated CD-ROM program developed by the Center for Applied Special Technology and EBSCO Publishing, supports the teaching of early literacy skills to children ages 5-9 and allows children with learning disabilities, physical challenges, and limited educational opportunities to participate in activities. Working alone or in small groups, children modify stories or create their own using content from well-known children's magazines. The product is based upon state and national standards for language arts as well as reading curriculum frameworks and standards. Single copy price: $79. Lab packs are available.
EBSCO School ResourceNet, 10 Estes St., Ipswich, MA 01938; (800) 653-2726
Reader Service Number 256
Mathematics
To Market, To Market from Learning in Motion is a new CD-ROM program for children grades pre-K through 3 designed to teach early number sense using compare and contrast skills. Through different activities students move from visual comparisons to numerals, counting, and mathematical operations. The suggested retail price for the school version/stand alone is $59. Additional CD-ROMs (PC only) may be purchased for $20 each.
Learning in Motion, Inc., 500 Seabright Ave., Ste. 105, Santa Cruz CA 95062; (800) 560-5670
Reader Service Number 258
Music Education
Tritone Corporation has released an integrated online music education program curriculum for students grades 3-7. Tritone envisions Tritone Music Series: Beginner Level 1 as an online music education solution for distance learning environments as well as public schools and homes. The series includes four components: Curriculum and Design, Javatrax (evaluation), Administrator (course management and tracking), and Online Access (student/teacher support). An Internet connection, keyboard, and MIDI are required. Contact Tritone for pricing information.
Tritone Corporation, #205-212 Queen St., Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 1A8; (604) 273-5540
Reader Service Number 259
Reading and Writing
Teacher Templates for Kid Pix from FTC Publishing contains more than 200 classroom projects designed for use with Kid Pix software. Teachers may use the templates "as is" or modify them to meet the needs of their own students. The templates include flannel board stories, slide shows, word games, puppets, flash cards, and many more instructional materials and classroom activities. The CD-ROM retails for $49.95. Lab and site licenses are also available.
FTC Publishing, P.O. Box 1361, Bloomington, IL 61702; (888) 237-6740
Reader Service Number 261
Reference
SilverPlatter Information, Inc. offers Bibliography of the History of Art, a scholarly art database available for Internet, intranet, or CD-ROM subscriptions. The database contains more than 500,000 records covering fine arts and decorative/applied arts references from more than 1,400 journals as well as other sources. Contact SilverPlatter for pricing information.
SilverPlatter Information, Inc., 100 River Ridge Dr., Norwood, MA 02062-5043; (781) 769-2599
Reader Service Number 263
Research Tool
Teachers who need students to track current information on political events, market trends, weather, or other areas of interest can use Snippets. Snippets is an application that extracts key information from sources identified by the user and delivers it to the desktop in an icon for a "snippet." By clicking the icon, the students display the extracted information in a small window. The free application is less than 1.5 MB.
Snippets.com, 4900 Hopyard Rd., Ste. 100, Pleasanton, CA 94588; (888) 764-7738
Reader Service Number 264
Web-enabled DVD
The Ohana Collection, developed by the Ohana Foundation and AGC/United Learning, integrates DVD and Web technology creating a non-PC-based environment using materials that are suitable for standards-based and project-oriented learning. Nine titles presenting science, mathematics, and social science concepts for grades K-12 have just been released. Use of this series requires a monitor or television and Ohana's e-Whiz interactive DVD player. The player is available at no charge to schools purchasing 10 or more discs.
Ohana Foundation, 1099 Alakea St., 22nd Fl., Honolulu, HI 96813; (808) 524-0770
Reader Service Number 265
Web Sites
History And Social Studies
HeadlineSpot.com is an educational guide to news resources on the Web. The free news source provides access to the latest headlines, newspaper sections, magazines, and TV and radio programs.
History Matters: The U.S. Survey Course on the Web, sponsored by George Mason University, provides valuable resources to help teachers search the Web for quality history-related sites and electronic resources for integration into the classroom. Primary documents in text, video, and audio are available, as are interactive student exercises, Web-based assignments, and more.
Information Management
Edmin.com recently introduced TeacherLinq, a Web-based application that facilitates tracking and assessing student performance and online communication with parents and students. Teachers have access to a standards-based grade book to align assignments, portfolios, tests, and other input to local or state standards. Tools are also available for lesson planning, attendance, and discipline records. Parents may engage in online forums or access a teacher's calendar, newsletter, and student work.
Science
The National Science Teachers Association is developing an Internet-based resource called NSTA Recommends to provide science teachers with reviews of the best science-based K-12 trade books, teacher publications, software, and other media. A review panel comprised of K-12 science teachers from across the nation evaluates each resource prior to publication of a review. Visitors to NSTA Recommends are also invited to share their own opinions about resources posted there. Read It!, another NSTA-sponsored site, allows teachers to read the full text of some NSTA publications prior to purchase.
Keyboarding
De Marque's Typing Pal School, for students ages nine and above, is now available in an online version that allows teacher control of objectives, exercises, and evaluation methods. Pricing is based on the number of users per year and ranges from $150 for up to 50 users to unlimited use for $750.
Professional Development
Bigchalk.com recently announced a distribution agreement with Apex Learning Inc. With this agreement, bigchalk customers can register for Apex Learning's professional development workshops directly from bigchalk's site. Workshop subjects include standards, teaching methods, classroom management, assessment, technology, special needs, mathematics, and language arts. Visit the Web site for pricing information.
The National School Boards Association offers online technology courses to teachers, administrators, and other school leaders through its ITTE: Education Technology Programs Department. The course titles include: Strategies to Support Teachers to Effectively Integrate Technology; Grappling with Accountability: Resource Tools for Organizing and Assessing Technology for Student Results; and Staff Development: Technology in an Integrated Curriculum. Each course runs five weeks and is limited to 25 participants. The fee per course is $185.
Promotions
In anticipation of Earth Day, teachers and youth leaders can download a classroom learning guide on trees and tree planting from the American Forests Web site. The science-based materials are part of "A Tree for Every Child," a year-round educational program about trees and the environment.
McGraw-Hill and Sun Microsystems have teamed up to offer McGraw-Hill's Web-based content to all K-12 schools that are Sun Ray appliance customers. McGraw-Hill will provide an array of free services including interactive lesson planners, Web-based test generators, student report programs, teacher grade books, and school Web site building capabilities. Educational content will also be available. This free promotion runs through June 30, 2001.
Learning Network has launched TeacherPoints, a program that gives teachers access to free classroom and teaching supplies through their purchases with more than 150 leading merchants. Participants in the free program receive points for every dollar they spend with participating merchants and may earn up to 20 percent of their purchases back in points that can be redeemed at a number of participating vendors, including OfficeMax.com and the Learning Network Store.
Tutoring
Brainfuse, a division of academic tutoring and test preparation firm Trustforte Educational Services, can be used at school as a means of supplemental instruction or at home as homework assistance. Tutoring appointments do not need to be scheduled in advance, and tutors are available throughout the day and evening for a $40 monthly unlimited access fee. For students grades 4-12.
Book
Scholastic has released an updated Scholastic Technology Guide, in print (retail price $19.95) and online at www.scholastictechguide.com. The print edition of the technology guide includes comprehensive Web resources, an expanded glossary of technology terms, a tear-out educational events calendar, more than 3,500 software and hardware product listings, and more. The Web guide has been redesigned with increased search capabilities, more comprehensive information, and links to more than 7,000 supplier sites.
Scholastic, 555 Broadway, New York, NY 10012; (800) SCHOLASTIC
Reader Service Number 266
Industry Announcements
At press time, Apple announced plans to acquire PowerSchool, a provider of Web-based student information systems for schools and districts.
Dates and Events
April 26-27: 4th Annual Educational Technology Coordinators Conference, Kalamazoo, Mich.
April 30-May 1: Superintendents' Technology Summit, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
May 17-19: Computer Using Educators Spring Conference, Anaheim, Calif.
October 18-20: SchoolTech Expo, Chicago, Ill. Learn from the country's leaders and trailblazers in this show for technology-using K-12 educators. T&L-sponsored event.
Read other articles from the April issue
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